To give your child the best start toward a lifetime of healthy teeth and a confident smile, one question often stands out: What age do kids get braces? While there’s no single answer that fits every child, there are important clues and timing milestones that can help parents make informed choices. From the emergence of permanent teeth to early orthodontic evaluations, understanding the signs of when your child might need braces can make all the difference.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through what to expect, when to expect it, and how to support your child through their orthodontic journey with warmth, clarity, and professional insight.
Why Do Kids Need Braces in the First Place?
Braces for children go beyond simply creating straight teeth. They’re essential for correcting misaligned bites, crowded teeth, jaw alignment issues, and other structural concerns. Without early treatment, these issues can impact your child’s oral health, speech, ability to chew properly, and overall confidence.
Here are some common reasons children may need braces:
- Crooked or overlapping teeth
- Overbites, underbites, or crossbites
- Large gaps between teeth
- Jaw misalignment
- Difficulty chewing or biting
- Early or late loss of baby teeth
- Mouth breathing or thumb sucking
When Do Most Children Start Orthodontic Treatment?
While many associate braces with teenagers, the groundwork for orthodontic treatment often starts much earlier. The average age most kids get braces is between 10 and 14 years old. At this stage, most of the adult teeth have emerged, and the jaw is still developing, making treatment more effective and adaptable.
However, an early orthodontic evaluation, often recommended around age 7, can help detect potential issues long before braces are needed. At this stage, the combination of baby teeth and permanent teeth allows dentists to better assess how the teeth and jaw are forming.
Why Early Intervention Can Make All the Difference
So why evaluate so early if kids don’t usually get braces until they’re older?
Early orthodontic treatment can help direct the proper growth and alignment of the jaw and permanent teeth, reducing the risk of more severe problems later on. In some cases, your child might benefit from early intervention appliances like expanders or partial braces to make room for growing teeth or correct minor alignment issues.
Early treatment may help:
- Avoid tooth extractions later
- Reduce treatment time with braces in adolescence
- Encourage healthy development of the jaw and facial structure
How to Tell If Your Child Might Be Ready for Braces
Every child’s mouth is different, and so is the right time to start orthodontic treatment. Here are a few signs your child might be ready to get braces:
- Most permanent teeth have erupted
- There’s visible overcrowding or gaps
- Your child has difficulty chewing or speaking clearly
- The jaw seems to shift or make clicking sounds
- Your dentist has raised concerns during regular dental checkups
Even if your child doesn’t display these signs, it’s still worth booking an orthodontic evaluation around age 7 to get professional advice.
What Types of Braces Are Available for Kids?
Once it’s determined that your child needs braces, the next step is choosing the right type. While traditional metal braces are the most common option, there are several others available depending on your child’s needs and preferences.
1. Traditional Metal Braces
These are the classic braces made of metal brackets and wires. They’re highly effective and often the most affordable option.
2. Ceramic Braces
These work like metal braces but use tooth-coloured or clear brackets that blend more naturally with your child’s teeth.
3. Lingual Braces
These braces are attached to the back of the teeth, keeping them hidden from view when your child smiles or talks. They’re less common in kids due to maintenance difficulty.
4. Invisalign (Clear Aligners)
While not suitable for all children, Invisalign may be an option for older kids or teens with mild alignment issues. These are clear, removable trays that gradually move the teeth.
How Much Do Braces Cost in Australia?
Brace costs can vary widely depending on the complexity of your child’s case, the type of braces chosen, and the duration of treatment.
Factors that influence the cost include:
- Severity of alignment issues
- Type of braces (metal, ceramic, Invisalign)
- Treatment duration
- Clinic location and experience of the dentist
Many dental clinics provide flexible payment plans, and some private health insurance policies may help cover a portion of the cost.
Supporting Your Child Before, During, and After Braces
Getting braces can feel like a big step for any child. As a parent, your role is to guide them through the process with encouragement and support. Here are a few ways to make the journey smoother:
Before Braces
- Schedule an orthodontic evaluation by age 7
- Talk to your child about what to expect and address any fears
- Make sure their oral hygiene habits are in place
During Braces
- Encourage regular brushing and flossing
- Keep up with regular dental checkups and adjustments
- Avoid sticky, hard, or sugary foods that can damage braces
- Use orthodontic wax for sore spots
- Celebrate milestones like the first day with braces or adjustment visits
After Braces
- Reinforce the importance of wearing retainers as prescribed
- Continue good dental hygiene habits
- Schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress
FAQs About Braces for Kids
What age do kids get braces?
Most children get braces between the ages of 10 and 14, but evaluations can start as early as age 7.
Do all kids need braces?
Not necessarily. Some kids have naturally well-aligned teeth, but many benefit from orthodontic treatment to correct minor or major dental problems.
Can my child get Invisalign instead of metal braces?
Possibly. Invisalign is best for older kids or teens with mild to moderate alignment issues. A dentist can determine suitability.
How long will my child need to wear braces?
On average, treatment lasts 18 to 24 months, though it varies depending on the complexity of the case.
Is it painful to get braces?
There may be mild discomfort after adjustments or when braces are first placed, but it usually goes away in a few days.
When’s the Right Time to Book That First Appointment?
When’s the Right Time to Book That First Appointment?If your child is nearing age seven or showing signs of dental issues, it’s the perfect time to book their first trip to the dentist. This doesn’t mean they’ll start wearing braces right away, but it allows the dentist to track their development and plan the best course of action.
Remember, timing is key. Getting braces at the right age ensures the treatment has maximum impact with minimal complications.
Final Thoughts: Let’s Set the Foundation for a Lifetime of Smiles
Braces are more than just a cosmetic fix. They’re an investment in your child’s oral health, confidence, and long-term well-being. By understanding the best age to start, what signs to watch for, and what treatment options are available, you can help your child achieve a healthy smile that lasts a lifetime.
If you have further questions or think your child might be ready for an orthodontic evaluation, speak to Advanced Dental Care Dubbo at (02) 6188 7103 to book a consultation today. The right time could be now.
References
- Colgate. (n.d.). How to practice oral hygiene with braces. Colgate Oral Care. Retrieved from https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/kids-oral-care/how-to-practice-oral-hygiene-with-braces
- American Association of Orthodontists. (n.d.). Child orthodontics. Retrieved from https://aaoinfo.org/child-orthodontics/
- Medical News Today. (n.d.). Metal braces: Uses, costs, benefits, and more. Retrieved from https://www.medicalnewstoday.com/articles/metal-braces-uses-costs-benefits-and-more-2
